Doc: Expect Covid surge during poll

By LULU MARK
A CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19) surge is expected during or soon after the general election period, hence the people and the health authorities should be on the alert, says an official.
National Pandemic Response deputy controller Dr Daoni Esorom said the Omicron followed by the Delta variants were the major concern, leading to high community transmission.
He said the past four surges came after four to six months and it took two to three months to recover.
“Most of the surges happened during big gatherings,” he said.
“That’s why the election is (a high-risk period).
“We are going to have mass gatherings not only outdoors but indoors too.
“So the advice to people is if they are indoors is to continue to wear a mask, and even in crowded places outdoors.
“We need to also limit people’s movement.
“If it’s not necessary for you to go, then stay at home.”
He said they had already planned for the election period.
“We have enough personal protective equipment, masks, hand sanitisers, and are also beefing up our rapid test kits,” he said.
“The system is there.
“We’ve been through this for the last two years.
“The most important thing is protection and the need to be vigilant.
“We are still in the pandemic,” Esorom said.
“Vaccination is critical for our high-risk groups including older people and those with the existing diseases or medical conditions.”
As of April 24, 43,800 Covid-19 cases were recorded, of which 51 were diagnosed in the past 14 days.
There were 741 Delta cases and 375 Omicron cases.
The total number of people who dies from the Covid-19 is 649.

Party not endorsing new candidates: Paita

By JACINTA COHLEE
THE ruling Pangu Pati will not endorse new candidates for the general election, Finschhafen MP Renbo Paita says.
“We will stick to our current incumbents because they have built connections and partnerships throughout the five-year term.
“I cannot work with new MPs because it will be like starting from scratch,” he added.
Speaking at the launch of projects in Morobe’s Markham on Monday, the National Planning Minister said: “The incumbent MP Koni Iguan knows the need I have for the people and the same for their MP Iguan.”
He said delivering services and development for communities were very difficult and the partnership between the MPs was crucial.
“The challenges are everywhere and the people must have a clear understanding of what is happening.
“There can be a new elected representative but, he/she will not continue the work of projects that incumbents had left behind.
The Pangu Pati is having its convention at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium in Lae.

7 MPs contesting under different party banner: Official

SEVEN MPs will be contesting the general election under the banner of another political party, according to the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission.
The commission’s director of funding John Bishop reminded candidates during the PNG Party national convention last week of the importance of staying loyal to one’s political party.
He confirmed that the seven MPs had left the political parties they won their seats under during the 2017 general election.
One of them was the founder and leader of a small political party.
Acting registrar Emmanuel Pok could not be reached for a comment.
But an official in his office said they were waiting still to receive all the proper documentation from the seven MPs.
Once they are found to be in order, then the commission will formally accept their move to their new parties.
For MPs to join another party, they need to submit certain documents to the commission.
Bishop said the successful candidates would have to declare their campaign expenses within three months of the return of writs.
The Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit at the Bank of PNG, working with the Ombudsman Commission, will be keeping all audited records.

No government funds to be released during election: Officials

NO government funds will be released during the election period unless clearance is granted by the Ombudsman Commission, says Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen and Ombudsman Kevin Kepore.
This will come into effect when the writs are issued on May 12, according to a statement they issued.
The statement said the Ombudsman Commission had the powers under Section 27 (4) of the Constitution to control expenditure and disbursement of public funds specifically during the campaign period.
“From the date when the writs are issued to the date when the new government is formed, and the new provincial executive council (PEC) and the district development authority (DDA) have advised us of the change of bank account signatories or otherwise,” the statement said.
“It should be noted that it is not a complete freeze of the public funds.
“The direction of the Ombudsman Commission encourages the continuity of service delivery by the provincial and district administrations by way of the efficient and effective implementation of PEC and DDA meeting resolutions.
“The main intent of this direction is to ensure that public funds are used for the purpose they are allocated for and not for other purposes during the election period.
“This will minimise public perception that public funds have been used for personal purposes.”